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Hotel Hassler Roma is the ultimate luxury hideaway in the Eternal City with warm, discreet hospitality that has attracted a cadre of devoted guest who return time and time again. Atop the Spanish Steps, within walking distance of the Villa Borghese Park, Via Veneto, Via Condotti, and the fashionable boutiques, the Hassler is the hotel of choice of celebrities, diplomats and statesmen, movie stars and film directors. Owned for over 100 years by a noted family of Swiss hoteliers, the current general manager is Roberto Wirth, who continues the family traditions without interruption.

The pride of the Hassler are its suites, many of which have private balconies or terraces with spectacular vistas on the golden skyline of Rome. Of particular note is the Penthouse, recently renovated with one of the largest terraces in the city; also the choice of la creme de la creme is the San Pietro suite, the Villa Medici suite and the three-bedroom Hassler suite.

At Imago, the newly renovated rooftop restaurant at the Hassler, guest can enjoy breakfast, lunch and dinner as well as a superb Sunday brunch.  The restaurant is situated at one of the highest points in Rome and guests can enjoy the ever-changing panorama while relaxing in the artful combination of modern and classical decor.

There is also a state-of-the-art gym and the Hassler Wellness Club which offers massages, treatments, a steam bath, sauna and solarium tanning.

Work out on state-of-the-art Technogym equipment while enjoying a spectacular view of the Eternal City, including the St. Peter Church. Exclusively for guests of the Hassler, the gym provides a refreshing way to work out. The facilities of the Hassler Wellness Club include an open-air terrace where one can enjoy a choice of refreshing drinks or a light snack from their healthy menu. The sun beds available on the terrace will give you the opportunity to bask in the sun after a workout. Available by appointment, the Wellness Club offers an array of specialized massages and exclusive beauty treatments, a sauna and steam bath.

Hotel Hassler Roma
Location: 6 Piazza Trinita dei Monti, Rome, Italy 00187; 30 kilometers, 45 minutes by car to Fiumicino airport.

Luxury style: No detail is too small for the attentive staff at the Hassler. Long known as the most discreet of Rome’s luxury hideaways, service is with a capital “S” here from the lowliest chambermaid to the general manager.

What we’ve heard: Some top floor rooms have views to die for — request one in advance. For the ultimate, stay in one of the named suites.

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The Westin Excelsior is one of the grandest of the grand hotels in Rome, that particular sort of hotel that aims to be tops in every aspect, but prizes service perhaps above all. Founded in 1906, the Westin Excelsior is decorated in a turn-of-the-century Empire style, with lots of gilt, chandeliers and painted walls, all emerging recently from a renovation that touched nearly the whole hotel.

The 319 guest rooms are also done in this style with the emphasis on opulent fabrics and rich textures. The signature Westin Heavenly Bed, marble bathrooms and modern amenities such as satellite TV and wireless access make the environment cozy, convenient and a joy to return to after a hard day shopping or sightseeing. Many of the rooms also have balconies which is icing on the cake. The true seeker of luxury will opt for the Villa La Cupola, a split-level corner suite which is marketed as Europe’s largest.

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Restaurant Doney serves Roman favorites and seasonal Mediterranean dishes in a sumptuous but welcoming setting. The adjacent Club Doney offer drinks and snacks and guests can also drop in for a late morning breakfast or light refreshments all day long. There is a fully-equipped fitness room, an indoor Roman style pool and guests can relax with a massage or beauty treatment. The Westin Excelsior also has extensive facilities for meetings and truly fine banquets are often held at the hotel.

The Westin Excelsior
Location: Via Vittorio Veneto 125, Rome 00187, Italy; 30 kilometres, 45 minutes by car to Fiumicino airport

Luxury style: The tradition of ‘grand’ hotels is alive and well in Rome and the Westin Excelsior is one of the most notable examples. Traditional, elegant and crispily new from the recent renovation that spruced up the venerable institution, but left the charm intact.

What we’ve heard: The Villa La Cupola is a once-in-a-lifetime experience with private screening room, two master bedrooms, balcony, sauna all beneath the signature cupola of the hotel.

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Tucked away in the twisting and picturesque back streets of Rome’s historic center is the ivied Hotel Raphael, a charming combination of period exterior and modern interiors topped off by a fascinating art collection and a nod to comfort.

Just beyond the Piazza Navona, the Hotel Raphael is within walking distance to famous historical highlights like St. Peter’s Church, Castel Sant’Angelo, the Pantheon, Campo de’ Fiori and the Spanish Steps. It’s also convenient to the interesting shopping of the city center with everything from posh clothing shops to eccesiastical department stores to fine artisan studios.

The 54 rooms overlook the small Largo Febo piazza or internal courtyards, and feature antique furniture, Flemish tapestries and and the color schemes are done in a palette of ochre yellows and Roman reds. All are equipped with satellite TV, Internet connections. Bathrooms include power showers, bathrobes, and Bulgari toiletries. The Executive Floor was recently redesigned by brillian Richard Meier. All rooms are made of oak and elegantly furnished, equipped with air-conditioning, BOSE Digital Sound System, CD and DVD, Sky Entertainment TV, free ADSL and WIFI on request. All the bathrooms, with a private double shower each, are made of fine Carrara statuary marble. Also available are exclusive suites, some with terraces with astonishing views of the Eternal City.

The elegant lobby features artworks by Picasso and Miró, as well as classical Roman statuary, part of the lovingly assembled collection of the hotel’s founder. The three-tiered rooftop terrace offers views over St Peter’s Basilica, the Vittoriano monument and Castel Sant’Angelo. The ground- floor library has an extensive collection of books which can be taken to rooms or the rooftop terrace on request. The marble-floored Picasso restaurant features antique tables and 19th-century silk-upholstered chairs, and serves breakfast and seasonal Italian dishes. The hotel serves snacks, teas, coffees and alcoholic drinks until late, accompanied by live piano music.

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Hotel Raphael
Location: streetaddress-city,country; 26 kilometres, 45 minutes from Rome Fiumcino airport.

Luxury style: Intimate, boutique, charming details, a first-class Roman hideaway.

What we’ve heard: The elegant suites are a special treat with their lovely private terraces. Boutique fans can opt for the Richard Meier-designed executive floor.

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